Linda Maxwell

There is no place like home when you get older. Most Americans want to age in place, but options can be expensive or limited unless you have an advance plan

Many people are in denial about declining health and aging. However, older men can be defiant and refuse long-term health care, making it even harder on loved ones.

Research says reaching age 130 could be on the way in the future. No question, we are seeing increased longevity now, which is having an impact on retirement planning. Are you and your family prepared for long-term health care?

Dementia is not just something that happens with older people. Preparing for changes in health, body, and mind should occur when you are younger and healthier.

We all start fearing future memory loss as we get older. Exercise may delay its progression. Planning for declining health, body, and mind should start before retirement.

If you could know, would you want to? Would you change your ways if you knew? Aging brings a higher risk for dementia and long-term care. Preparing in advance is common sense.

We all want quality care for our loved ones when they need long-term care. When the time comes, it is very emotional for everyone. Quality care will ease the anxiety.

You want your heart to beat correctly, and for many people, a pacemaker will help you maintain the proper heartbeat. Will your smartphone affect it? That is a big maybe.

If you are over 50 or look older, you have heard age jokes - or worse. Ageism is real. The 'ok boomer' attitude makes it harder to navigate today's world.

Greater demand for long-term care services means home health agencies and long-term care facilities are creating jobs to fill these demands. Higher wages will mean higher costs in the future.

Many are aware that if you have first-degree relatives with dementia, your risk of dementia increases. Research shows that extended family history can also increase your risk. Planning is essential.

COVID-19 has already brought robotic nurses and caregivers to the front lines. In the decades ahead, robots could become a big part of caregiving worldwide.

Have you ever used 'elderspeak'? Talk to older people like they are kids is demeaning. Studies show it adversely impacts their health as well.

You might be at risk for Osteoporosis. Even men can be at risk. It occurs when your bone density decreases, causing broken bones, pain, and disability. Aging happens. Be prepared. Your health, body, and mind change as you get older.

We know that understanding medical history is important to more than just your overall health. Learn your family's medical history and share yours with your loved ones. Everyone will benefit with the knowledge.

You think you know your children. Maybe you do. However, without a plan for your future long-term health care, your family may differ on how you will receive care. It might be chaos unless you plan now.

All of a sudden, you have "the shakes." If you are dancing, that is one thing, but involuntary muscle movements can cause alarm.

Even though there is no secret that we are all getting older, too many of us fail to understand they will need help with daily living activities as they get old. People lose not only money but choice, in addition to placing a burden on those they love.

Your older parents probably have clutter - including throw rugs. These things cause falls. Falls are a leading cause of death and long-term health care. Declutter their home and start thinking about your future aging.

Remember the Sonny and Cher song, “The Beat Goes On?” Lyrics say,” the beat goes on, the beat goes on …” but sometimes that beat is off and that could be atrial fibrillation. A-fib can lead to several health issues including stroke and long-term care.

Many American families are in crisis when a parent, due to declining health or age, need long-term health care. The consequences are more than financial. One child must step up, and they wonder why this burden was placed on them

Often diagnosed as mental illness, this dementia has dramatic consequences on the individual and their family. Frontotemporal dementia targets people ages 40 to 60. Families are not prepared for the costs and burdens that come from this disease.

The implications of being a family caregiver can impact multiple generations. Too often we ignore the financial costs and burdens of aging when planning for retirement. Longevity requires an advance plan for both family and finances.

Family caregivers face tremendous stress and anxiety when forced into the role of being a caregiver. You can avoid placing this burden on those you love by putting a Long-Term Care policy in place before you retire.

Families are being devastated by long-term care expenses. Out-of-pocket nursing home expenses were nearly $46 Billion in 2019. This does not include assisted living and in-home long-term care costs. Most long-term care services are delivered outside of nursing homes.

As more Americans face long-term care challenges the pressure of caregiving often falls on family members. Take actions now to keep everyone safe from COVID-19 infection. Prepare for your own care in the decades ahead now.

Being a caregiver for Mom or Dad is hard enough but when they verbally or physically abuse you it makes the role more difficult. You can deal with the situation and plan for your future needs in the years to come.

More people than ever are using their benefits from their affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy. In 2020 $11.6 Billion in tax-free benefits were paid helping American families get quality care at home or in a facility.

A recent survey says more Americans understand the importance of Long-Term Care Insurance and in-home care but have not yet discussed it with family or professionals. Affordable LTC policy is essential to retirement planning.

Where you live could have an impact on your risk of Alzheimer's. However, none of us are immune from the financial costs and burdens of aging, including the chance at dementia. Planning is essential.

You wouldn't think James Bond would ever suffer from dementia. James Bond might not, but the man who played him did. Sean Connery joins a long list of celebrities who lived and died with dementia. Are you ready for the consequences of aging?

More American families face the problem of long-term care. Loved ones find themselves in the role of a caregiver. There are many challenges when being a caregiver. You face physical and emotional stress in addition to anger.

American, Canadian, and U.K. families are finding themselves dealing with caregiving. The consequences of being a family caregiver impact health, relationships, and finances. De-stress and plan ahead to reduce family burden.

An industry study of Long-Term Care Insurance sales shows most consumers are purchasing policies at younger ages taking advantage of better health and lower premiums. An LTC policy is a vital part of retirement planning.

A popular TV show, “This is Us” is addressing the impact of cognitive decline on a primary character. It reminds us that the consequences of aging impact many American families.

Do you know a man with Osteoporosis? It happens and if not treated in time it can lead to fractures, surgery, long-term care, and death. Osteoporosis is an issue for both men and women.

The avoidance of health care during the virus crisis is creating a ripple effect of additional health problems. Ignoring health care is not a good idea and precautions have been taken at hospitals and clinics.

We know the difficulties caregivers face taking care of Mom or Dad or other family members. With so many people needing long-term care more families are impacted, but COVID-19 makes it even more complicated. Are you prepared?

The COVID-19 virus crisis has made more Americans personalize the future health and aging changes they will face in the decades ahead. Addressing future long-term care is an integral part of the equation.

People in nursing homes and assisted living are facing isolation and loneliness due to the virus crisis. This adds additional challenges for families in addition to the cost of long-term care.

The average age of a person purchasing Long-Term Care Insurance continues to drop. Low premiums and better health leads to even lower premiums. If you wait you face the inability to obtain coverage or much higher premiums.

Be cautious of schemes that would allow you to hide or give-away assets in order to qualify for Medicaid’s long-term care benefit. Federal law provides middle and upper-middle class families to way to protect savings and provide for quality care.

Celebrities suffer from the same frailties as the rest of us do. But when things happen to those in the public view it gives us the opportunity to plan in advance. This can give our families peace-of-mind.

You are young and in good health. This is the best time to think about how the rest of your life will be and how best to plan for it. This includes living wills, medical power-of-attorney, and long-term care insurance planning.

Studies show the obvious. Long-Term Care creates stress and burden on family caregivers, no matter the reason care is required. An advance plan can ease the burden and provide asset protection.

Aging is an issue which impacts every American family. With longevity comes the health and age-related issues which drain savings and create stress and pressure on loved ones. New proposals give families more options to plan.

While many people are enjoying the lower tax-rates provided by the Trump tax law, few know the medical expense deduction threshold will increase unless action is taken by Congress.

People today are interested in their ancestry. They use DNA testing to learn more about their family tree. However, health issues in your DNA may be used against you as you also plan for long-term care.

Many people don't think of end-of-life issues. Hospice, comfort care or palliative care makes it easier on both the person and the family. Barbara Bush's end-of-life decision may bring comfort to other families.

As we get older so do our parents. Paying attention to their driving skills is key to their safety. When do you take the keys away? How can you make aging easier on your family in the future?

Reality check. All of us are getting old, some at a quicker pace. Understanding the risk and the financial costs and burdens of aging is essential in preparing your family and finances for future long-term care.

Surgeon General says "we all are aging." Planning for long-term health issues becomes a key in retirement planning in protecting retirement funds and assets.

An article on the website of "Accounting Today" suggests financial professionals recommend Long-Term Care Insurance to clients in their 50's as part of retirement plan.